Kid-friendly hotel provides children with fun-filled packages upon check in, as well as milk and cookies the first night

Free Wi-Fi

Cons

Self-parking and valet-parking fees

Location is far from Houston's main attractions

Bottom Line

The 378-room Omni Houston Hotel is big on both style and substance. Well-appointed, modern, and comfortable, the hotel sits in a lovely residential area just outside Memorial Park. The huge, white exterior may be a bit commanding and cold, but inside the hotel attempts to sooth with a Zen-like lobby with calming water features and delicate white orchids. Beautiful, updated guest rooms have flat-screen TVs and alarm clocks with MP3 hookups, while damask-printed accents provide a sophisticated touch. In the bathrooms, oversize mirrors and wallpaper add a designer look. Perks of the property include two geometric pools with a bar and private cabanas, two restaurants (one for dinner, one for all three meals) and a bar, a spacious fitness center, and a full-service spa. Kids have something to enjoy too -- fun-filled backpacks upon check in, as well as free milk and cookies during their first night's stay. On the downside, both valet and self-parking cost extra, and the hotel is far from the city's major attractions.

Oyster Hotel Review

Location

Omni Houston Hotel is located in a residential area just outside of Memorial Park.

They say everything's bigger in Texas, and Houston definitely lives up to that. Characterized by steamy summer days and mild winter nights, the thriving metropolis sprawls over a flat landscape punctuated by tall, stately buildings and winding roadways. Major areas include East End, Montrose, Downtown, and the Kirby districts, but shopping, restaurants, and other attractions can be found off most major highways.

As the country's fourth biggest city, Houston is home to several major sports franchises, including the Astros, Rockets, and Texans, as well as the Johnson Space Center, where visitors can hear the infamous line, "Houston, we have a problem" from Apollo 13.

27-minute drive to William P. Hobby Airport

35-minute drive to George Bush Intercontinental Airport

5-minute walk to several restaurants and an antique shop

5-minute drive to shops, restaurants, and art galleries off West Loop

5-minute drive to Houston Galleria shopping center

6-minute drive to Memorial Park

11-minute drive to River Oaks Country Club

14-minute drive to Verizon Wireless Theater

14-minute drive to the Houston Ballet

15-minute drive to Downtown Houston

18-minute drive to Minute Maid Park

18-minute drive to Discovery Green Park

47-minute drive to Johnson Space Center

50-minute drive to Kemah Boardwalk

Bottom Line

The 378-room Omni Houston Hotel is big on both style and substance. Well-appointed, modern, and comfortable, the hotel sits in a lovely residential area just outside Memorial Park. The huge, white exterior may be a bit commanding and cold, but inside the hotel attempts to sooth with a Zen-like lobby with calming water features and delicate white orchids. Beautiful, updated guest rooms have flat-screen TVs and alarm clocks with MP3 hookups, while damask-printed accents provide a sophisticated touch. In the bathrooms, oversize mirrors and wallpaper add a designer look. Perks of the property include two geometric pools with a bar and private cabanas, two restaurants (one for dinner, one for all three meals) and a bar, a spacious fitness center, and a full-service spa. Kids have something to enjoy too -- fun-filled backpacks upon check in, as well as free milk and cookies during their first night's stay. On the downside, both valet and self-parking cost extra, and the hotel is far from the city's major attractions.